The Mount Stewart Schools

Sickness Bug update

Today we have only had one further child who has vomited in school. This is an indicator that we are through the worst and the procedures that we have put in place are having an effect.

We have continued to work with the local health protection team and the local authority to keep them updated and followed their expert advice.

I must also again remind you that if your child is sick they need to remain off school for 48 hours. We have again had several children who were sick yesterday and returned to school today. They were sent home immediately. We understand that parents have to work but we have protocols in place to keep all the children safe.

We have continued to be encourage the children to wash their hands thoroughly throughout the day with liquid soap. We are also in the process of installing more hand santisers including in the main reception area to encourage all visitors to santise before entering the building.

We have also continued to disinfect the school and the deep clean will begin over the course of the weekend.

It has been brought to my attention that some children have been using the antibacterial wipes, that were given to the teachers, to regularly wipe down surfaces. The wipes were given to teachers so that door handles, light switches and computers etc. could be wiped regularly throughout the day. The intention was never for the children to be using these wipes. Wipes will now only be used by the teacher.

Once we have settled down next week we will review our procedures to see what we can do moving forward to further improve our provision.

It has been an extremely challenging week, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff team who has been incredible in working together to maintain a calm and orderly environment for the children.

Wishing you all a restful and healthy weekend, while thanking you all for your continued support.